BUDAPEST, Hungary (AP) — Hungary will begin the process of withdrawing from the International Criminal Court, an official said Thursday, just as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu arrived to red carpet treatment in the country’s capital despite an arrest warrant from the world’s only permanent global tribunal for war crimes and genocide.

Netanyahu will travel to Hungary this week, defying an arrest warrant from the International Criminal Court issued over allegations of war crimes in Gaza.

Hungary announced it would leave the International Criminal Court during a visit by Israeli leader Benjamin Netanyahu, who faces an ICC arrest warrant.

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban made clear when he issued the invitation that Hungary would not respect the ICC ruling.

The move is announced hours after Israel's PM Benjamin Netanyahu, who is sought under an ICC arrest warrant, arrives in Budapest for a state visit.

Just as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who faces an arrest warrant from the International Criminal Court (ICC), arrived in Budapest on Thursday, Hungary said it plans to withdraw from the ICC.

The move is announced hours after Israel's PM, who is sought under an ICC arrest warrant, arrives in Budapest for a state visit.

Hungary will withdraw from the International Criminal Court (ICC), its government said Wednesday, as the country’s Prime Minister Viktor Orban welcomed Israeli Prime Minister and ICC fugitive Benjamin Netanyahu to Budapest.

Benjamin Netanyahu is set to arrive in Budapest on Thursday for meetings with Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, with the pair ignoring the International Criminal Court’s warrant for the Israeli leader’s arrest.